Restorative Rhythms
Tune in to tune out by finding balance in a hyper-connected world.
Sunrise Yoga on the beach.
Kayaking in the Black Banks River.
Walking meditation in the Labyrinth.
Think about walking through a forest on a breezy summer day, hearing the birds chirping and the wind rustling the tree canopies overhead. Maybe it’s the ‘OM’ chanted at the end of a yoga class—a sound that vibrates through the body and creates a powerful energy in the room.
In a world of constant connectivity, more people are discovering the antidote to modern life’s frenetic pace might lie in the power of nature’s own rhythms. Ancient wisdom and contemporary wellness practices are converging on the fact that immersing ourselves in natural soundscapes and embracing serene moments of stillness can profoundly impact our well-being.
THE SCIENCE OF SOUND
Humans instinctively respond to all types of sound, however, finding genuine quiet has become increasingly rare.
“Sound is everywhere, even if we think it’s complete silence,” explains Christine Hays, Chief Energy Officer of Eastern Vibration, a company that curates sound wellness experiences across the world and trains spa therapists on how to use sound in treatments. “You can feel what sound is calming, like sitting by the ocean, or taking a walk in the forest,” says Hays.“The sounds of nature actually bring you to a more relaxed state of mind.”
Many instruments used in sound therapy, such as singing bowls, bells, drums and rain sticks, are designed to mimic the natural vibrations and resonant frequencies found in the environment. While there are few proven studies, the frequency of 432 Hz, often called the “sound of nature,” is believed to share similar benefits to time spent outdoors.
A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that singing bowl sound meditations helped people reduce tension and fatigue. Hays was traveling through Nepal when she first learned of singing bowls.
“The minute someone placed the bowls in our hands and we felt the vibrations and the sounds, it instantly brought our shoulders down,” she says.
ANCIENT WISDOM, MODERN TECHNIQUES
The connection between sound and well-being dates back millennia and spans cultures, from Tibetan monasteries to Native American drumming circles. Today’s wellness practitioners are reimagining these traditions for contemporary life.
“These practices go back centuries, and whether it’s through sound therapy, meditation or simply being present in nature, they help people reconnect with these time-honored methods of finding peace.” says Ella Kent, the Director of Spa, Fitness and Well-being at Sea Island. “We’re seeing innovative applications of these methods.”
Today’s spas are incorporating sound into floating pools, combining the traditional power of singing bowls with modern hydrotherapy. Others are creating guided sound journeys that blend ancient instruments with a body treatment or facial. Spas are also hosting treatments in rooms with cutting-edge acoustical engineering to enhance the experience.
Lynne McNees, President of the International Spa Association (iSPA) explains, “Modern spas are creating comprehensive wellness journeys that might start with a guided meditation app, move into a traditional sound-healing session and end with contrast therapy in a high-tech cold plunge.” This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds, and Kent explains that the beautiful part of this approach is not to replace traditional customs, but to amplify them.
GROUNDED IN NATURE
An iSPA consumer data study from 2022 showed that 80% of today’s consumers are interested in spa treatments that look after their mental well-being. McNees says that she is also seeing higher demand from consumers for a wide range of nature-immersive treatments.
Research from the Mayo Clinic has shown that time spent in nature—feeling the earth and listening to natural soundscapes—can improve mood, cognition and memory as well as lower anxiety, while strengthening immune function and reducing stress levels. Spas are taking advantage of the outdoors to provide luxurious and calming therapies for guests.
“While our meditation labyrinth—a beautiful garden fringed with koi pond, lush leafy plants and an ivy-covered wall—is a favored spot for quiet contemplation, it’s not the only place where one can immerse themselves in nature at Sea Island,” shares Kent. “We have endless opportunities to reconnect with nature-forward activities, including yoga at sunrise and sunset, a guided paddle through tidal grasslands, horseback riding through lush groves of ancient oaks and palmettos and much more.”
SOUNDS OF SEA ISLAND
Whether it is listening to the sounds of the sea, taking in the songs of lovebirds in the Solarium at The Cloister or hearing wildlife make a splash while kayaking through the marsh, Sea Island is home to a variety of soothing sounds from nature. These natural sensory experiences can provide us with a feeling of grounding and tranquility. To enhance what the surrounding nature has to offer, Kent sought to create a relaxing spa experience where members and guests can completely let go.
Private sound journey.
New to the spa treatment menu is the Private Sound Journey, a 60-minute experience rooted in ancient practices. The treatment features Tibetan singing bowls, crystal singing bowls, wooden chimes, gongs, drums and Kenari seed sticks alongside a calming guided meditation that allows our minds to drift away. This sound experience can help promote deep relaxation and physical healing while reducing stress and allowing the mind to slip into a restorative meditative escape.
“Spa treatments aren’t just about the body anymore,” Kent says. “It’s about stress reduction and escaping your brain for an hour. Sound is something that has the potential to immediately balance your sympathetic nervous system meaning you can relax quicker.”
Sea Island also offers personalized 90-minute harmonic massages, where sound bowls can be placed directly on the body to amplify their effect and complement the bodywork. During a treatment, a trained therapist will use sounds to promote further relaxation with a range of instruments and tools.
These immersive sound experiences offer guests a profound sense of peace, restoration and connection to both nature and self.
Modern movements in nature include forest bathing, a Japanese practice to destress by immersing oneself in the sights, sounds and smells of a forest, park or garden. Earthing, or grounding, which is done by walking barefoot outside, lying in the grass or sand or touching water is another practice within this movement. Soaking in natural waters is another way to connect with the earth, whether in a mineral-rich hot spring or other natural body of water.
Learning to tap into nature’s rhythms doesn’t require complex training or technology; all that is required is the ability to be present. The same benefits can be achieved through unexpected outdoor experiences such as kayaking or horseback riding on the beach.
“I took my three-year-old grandson for a walk around the lake,” Hays says. “We stopped by some trees, closed our eyes and just listened. When I asked him what he felt, he said ‘So relaxing.’”
THE RISE OF DIGITAL DETOXING
In an age where screens dominate our attention and constant connectivity defines our routines, the idea of a “digital detox” has emerged as a powerful antidote. Digital detoxing encourages individuals to step away from technology—phones, tablets, televisions—and instead, immerse themselves in activities that promote mindfulness and presence.
Natural dunes on the Georgia coastline.
“The benefits of a digital detox are wide-ranging,” says Kent. “Reducing screen time can lower stress, improve sleep quality and even boost mental clarity.”
Research shows that time away from devices allows for deeper engagement with surroundings and fosters stronger personal connections. This has led to a growing trend of travelers seeking destinations that prioritize nature and tranquility. A recent survey by the Global Wellness Institute revealed that over 70% of travelers now prefer vacations that include time in natural environments, viewing them as essential for mental and physical well-being.
For those seeking respite, destinations that encourage disconnection—like quiet beaches, lush marshlands and outdoor spaces—offer a rare opportunity to reset and recharge. By swapping screens for sunsets and emails for exploration, travelers can rediscover the restorative power of slowing down and reconnecting with the world around them.